Celebrate International Walk, Ride & Roll Day on Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Start the school year by enjoying active transportation and join students and adults around the world by ditching your car and walking or biking to school or work.
Using transportation options other than cars can help ease traffic congestion and help families build lifelong healthy habits. Wellesley participates in the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program which has great resources to help families find safe, healthy ways to get to and from school.
Here are some ideas from Wellesley Public Schools (WPS):
- Look for crosswalks, stoplights, and quieter streets to help plan the best route to school.
- Join with neighbors and others on your route to set up a walking school bus where adults take turns walking groups of kids to school on specific days.
- Use your school PTO website and directory to connect with other families walking or biking to school.
- If you live too far from school to walk the entire way, consider driving part way to school and walking the last 15 minutes.
If you're interested in volunteering for the Safe Routes to School program, contact School Committee member Sharon Clarke clarkes@wellesleyps.org or Select Board Chair Colette Aufranc at caufranc@wellesleyma.gov
Bike & E-bike Best Practices
Pedal bikes and electric-assist bikes (e-bikes) are popular modes of alternative transportation, offering exercise and fun!
Riders should be familiar with Massachusetts bike and e-bike laws. Be respectful and stay safe by following some best practices:
- Always keep your eyes and ears open; be mindful of others on roads, bike paths, school property, and public areas.
- Please note: Town bylaws prohibit bike riding on sidewalks in Wellesley commercial/retail districts. Walk bikes in these areas. In non-commercial areas or roads where safety is a concern, riders should be thoughtful and not disturb other sidewalk users.
- Stay at a speed that is considerate of other users. Low speeds are appropriate in crowded conditions, or when on shared use pathways.
- Know and obey traffic laws. Reckless riding may be subject to Wellesley Police Department action.
- Wear appropriate safety equipment. This includes a helmet and if riding at night, a white light on the front of the bike and a red light and red reflector on the back of the bike.
- Follow guidelines for riding on Town-owned land, including NRC trails, parks, and fields, retail and commercial areas, parking lots, and school property.
- Watch for fire hazards! When charging e-bikes, make sure to handle and store batteries safely and properly. See the safe charging tips from the Wellesley Fire Department.
Visit the Mobility webpages for more information.